Fans of the Galaxy’s Edge book saga and the sci-fi genre are invited to three days of out-of-this world extravaganza at Tossin’ Axes.
The Galaxy’s Edge Fan Expo starts at 11 a.m. on July 19 and ends a 4 p.m. on July 21, and visitors are invited to cosplay as characters of the series, aliens or any character from sci-fi works of fiction.
Daniel Cadwell, owner of the axe-throwing and arcade center, is a big fan of this series that tells powerful stories based on real military experiences, but set in space. It was this very series that inspired him to put together the Galaxy’s Edge Fan Expo, which is now in its third year.
The idea first came to be in 2019, but couldn’t debut until 2022 due to the pandemic, Cadwell said. While the first two events were held at his property, this is the first time the expo is taking place at the Tossin’ Axes building, located at 390 NE Midway Boulevard in Oak Harbor.
Like in past years, the expo will feature sci-fi authors, some of whom are current or former military members. With this military background, the stories are more grounded in real military experiences and can be more believable, despite being set in fictional worlds and scenarios.
According to Cadwell, the event is an opportunity for people to meet authors they already look up to or to discover new books to fall in love with.
The headliner is Doc Spears, co-author of Galaxy’s Edge and a U.S. army veteran who currently works as a consultant and trainer in the defense industry, according to his bio on the event’s website.
Whether or not you’re into science fiction and military stories, this is also a chance to ask published authors how to be a published author yourself, take photos, get a book signed, buy merchandise, attend seminars, author panels and book readings.
According to Cadwell, ticket holders can also bring their airsoft guns and play on the property outside.
Other guests include Walt Robillard, an army veteran and author of “Callsign: Valkyrie;” Peter Nealen, a former Recon Marine and combat veteran who wrote “Ice and Monsters;” award-winning author Blaine Lee Pardoe; Tom Trimbath, a former aerospace engineer who published the sci-fi novel “Firewatcher;” Ryan Williamson, a Cavalry Scout in the U.S. Army who wrote “The Widow’s Son;” Eva Gordon, who has 20 published novels, including “Kingdom Misophonia;” William Boulanger, USAF veteran and sci-fi, fantasy and horror author; Vivian Doolittle, author of “Rock’s Wages.”
Some might also recognize Whidbey News-Times Reporter Sam Fletcher, who edited the anthology “Ike Papalua: Science Fiction & Fantasy Stories from the Hawaiian Islands” that features several military-themed stories.
Whidbey residents can get up to $50 off tickets if they buy them in person before July 19 at Tossin’ Axes by using the promo code “BRUISER.” For the schedule, tickets and updates, visit tossinaxes.com.
The event also includes a charity auction, where ticket holders can auction their collectibles and memorabilia. Proceeds will go to Mission 22, a charity organization that supports active service members, veterans and military families.
